Chapter 339: The Deceased (1)

I grit my teeth and sigh.

'The Nether Ghost Realm all of a sudden...Seo Hweol, that bastard...'

Since everything is ultimately Seo Hweol's fault, I grit my teeth and blame him.

But despite the anger, I can't just stay angry forever.

I calm my emotions and start thinking about future plans.

'Now that I'm in the Nether Ghost Realm, there's no helping it. Let's aim to return to the Bright Cold Realm as quickly as possible, find the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, and establish the axis of Longevity.'

Since I can't change what has already happened, it's best to do what I can from now on.

Before establishing a plan, I first look up at the sky to read the celestial signs.

I intend to gather information by reading the celestial energy and then move based on that.

'The Nether Ghost Realm's sky is dark blue...'

Although it seems to be daytime according to the celestial energy, the sky is a dark navy blue, and dozens of bright stars are visible.

At that moment, Yeon Wei suddenly panics and slaps my cheek.

Smack!

"You crazy bastard! Why are you reading the celestial energy in the Nether Ghost Realm? Close your eyes! Close your eyes and lower your head!"

"Wh-what?"

Though I'm bewildered, I follow her instructions and close my eyes, lowering my head.

"What's going on?"

"Damn it, I forgot that you wouldn't know about the Nether Ghost Realm and might act recklessly."

Yeon Wei, exuding an intent of fear, slowly explains.

"First of all, in the Nether Ghost Realm, you must not look at the sky and try to read the celestial energy. No, more precisely, you can only do such things at 'night.'"

"...? Is there a reason we shouldn't read celestial energy during the day in the Nether Ghost Realm?"

I open my eyes in confusion and ask.

Yeon Wei, with a pale face, uses sound transmission to speak, fearing someone might overhear.

[The stars in the sky during the day are not stars.]

[These things are not stars, you say?]

[Yes. The things shining in the sky right now are 'eyes'.]

Chills.

I understand what Yeon Wei is saying.

Information I had previously heard from Seo Hweol.

[...Are those eyes perhaps...]

[Yes. It seems you know. For some reason, the 'ones above' are observing the entire Nether Ghost Realm from outside.]

Chills run down my spine.

Seo Hweol had mentioned that the Entering Nirvana True Persons are observing the Nether Ghost Realm to find a side path to the True Immortal Realm.

'The things floating in the sky right now are not stars...'

They are the 'gazes' of dozens of Entering Nirvana True Persons observing this world from beyond the sky of the Nether Ghost Realm.

'If I had fallen into the Nether Ghost Realm without knowing anything and kept staring at the sky to read celestial energy...'

I might have unknowingly become a puppet of an Entering Nirvana True Person.

"...Thank you, Senior Yeon."

I sincerely thank Yeon Wei for her advice.

[Well, it's common knowledge among the inhabitants of the Nether Ghost Realm anyway. Besides, during the 'night,' the real constellations appear in the Nether Ghost Realm, and their attraction force hides those gazes, so you can read the celestial energy then. At night, the yin energy of the Nether Ghost Realm also thickens, making it harder for them to observe...]

[So, I should read celestial energy at night.]

[That's right. As long as you avoid reading the celestial energy during the day, there's nothing too dangerous for someone at your level. With your monstrous skills at the Integration level, there's nothing to fear below the Esteemed Ones. Moreover, all the Esteemed Ones across the realms are currently on expeditions...]

I nod and share this information with Hong Fan as well.

'What a terrifying place.'

"...By the way, why aren't my colleagues waking up?"

I look at my still unconscious colleagues.

Although the shock of crossing dimensions is strong, my colleagues with strong vitality should have woken up by now.

"Could it be there's something in that river?"

"Hmm, no. Even if the river is lethally poisonous, those at the Core Formation stage or higher should be able to detoxify it with their life force. The reason your companions aren't waking up is because of the ghostly energy of the Nether Ghost Realm."

"Hmm..."

Thinking back, Yeon Jin would have died vomiting blood if Yeon Wei hadn't expelled the ghostly energy.

"If you don't learn the Ghost Path Method, you'll be engulfed by the energy of the Nether Ghost Realm and fall into a comatose state. The longer that state lasts, the higher the chance of death."

"What...!? Then shouldn't we wake them up?"

"Indeed. However, since your companions haven't learned the Ghost Path Method, you'll need to forcefully teach them the basics of the Ghost Path Method through external stimulation."

"Hmm...if they can't handle ghostly energy, they'll fall into a comatose state..."

I glance down at Jeon Myeong-hoon.

'...Then why is this bastard still sleeping?'

Following my gaze, Yeon Wei looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon and then grabs him by the collar, slapping him furiously.

Smack, smack, smack!

"Kugh, aagh!"

A while later, Jeon Myeong-hoon spits out blood and his eyes snap open.

"Wh-where is this...?!"

"So this one was just sleeping."

"..."

"To wake the others, you need to instill them with ghostly energy to implant even the basic ghost path power in their bodies."

"Yes, I will do so. But first..."

I briefly explain the situation to Jeon Myeong-hoon.

"...The Nether Ghost Realm..."

"Yes. And for now, we need to find the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect and figure out a way to return to the Bright Cold Realm."

"...! What!? The disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect are..."

Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes widen in surprise upon hearing that the disciples are alive.

He wipes his face.

"...They're alive."

"Yes, they are alive."

"...Thank goodness."

Jeon Myeong-hoon wipes his face and gives a faint smile.

After conveying the plan to Jeon Myeong-hoon, I approach the other two to wake them up.

Yeon Wei uses the Ghost Path Method she knows to accumulate ghostly energy in Yeon Jin's body. I prop up Oh Hyun-seok and Kim Yeon to a sitting position and place my hands on their backs, infusing them with ghostly energy.

Wo-woong―

I consider imprinting the basic Ghost Path Method of the Black Ghost Valley I had learned through Seo Li.

But somehow, I feel it wouldn't suit the two of them.

'Hmm, in that case...'

After a moment of contemplation, I decide to create a Ghost Path Method on the spot.

For Oh Hyun-seok, I think of a Ghost Path Method that will strengthen his body with ghostly energy. For Kim Yeon, I create one that will train her consciousness with ghostly energy.

I infuse ghostly energy into them according to my intended operations.

After a while, the ghostly energy perfectly aligns with both of them, forming a basic Ghost Path Method.

It matches well with Oh Hyun-seok's Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method and flows smoothly without any conflict with Kim Yeon's Wonderfully Mysterious Innate Heart Canon.

Soon, as ghostly energy forms within them, they open their eyes.

"This is..."

"Hmm, where are we, Eun-hyun?"

I explain the current situation to the two individuals, detailing the precautions in the Nether Ghost Realm, such as not reading celestial energy during the day.

Myself, Yeon Jin, Hong Fan, Kim Yeon, Jeon Myeong-hoon, and Oh Hyun-seok.

The six of us discuss our future plans and decide on our goals.

Our primary objective in the Nether Ghost Realm is to return to the Bright Cold Realm.

Next, Jeon Myeong-hoon and I aim to find the disciples of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect.

"And since we're already in the Nether Ghost Realm, it might be good to establish the Five Blessings Axes as well."

Yeon Wei, with her arms crossed, explains the true Orthodox Axis Foundation, also known as the Five Blessings Axes.

"...As you can see, the Five Blessings Axes are the proper foundation to establish. They are much stronger than the Five Elements Axes. Therefore, why not establish the Axis of Longevity which can be formed in the Nether Ghost Realm?"

Yeon Wei looks at Jeon Myeong-hoon and me as she speaks.

Currently, I am at the Four-Axis stage.

Jeon Myeong-hoon is half a step into the Four-Axis stage.

Kim Yeon and Oh Hyun-seok are at the Nascent Soul stage and the Core Formation stage respectively.

Hong Fan is about to enter the Four-Axis stage, so there's no need to worry about him.

According to Yeon Wei, one must be at least at the Grand Perfection Heavenly Being stage to perform the Axis Foundation Ceremony. Hence, it will be difficult for Oh Hyun-seok and Kim Yeon to establish their Axis in the Nether Ghost Realm even if they want to.

"Hmm, is it really necessary to establish these Five Blessings Axes?"

Jeon Myeong-hoon asks, seemingly uninterested.

Yeon Wei replies as if stating the obvious.

"Of course. The Five Blessings Axes are overwhelmingly stronger than the Five Elements Axes and are the true Orthodox Axis Foundation handed down from ancient times. Moreover, establishing the Five Blessings Axes makes it easier to advance to the Integration stage, and once you reach the Integration stage, the stability of the domain you form will be on a completely different level."

After listening to her, Jeon Myeong-hoon thinks for a moment before his eyes sparkle.

"But ancestor, didn't you say that establishing the Five Blessings Axes takes much longer than the Five Elements Axes? And without a thorough understanding of the Five Blessings, it's far more difficult to establish them, practically forcing one to undergo Understanding before Breakthrough?"

"Hmm, that's true."

"On the other hand, if one uses the Heterodox Axis Foundation for the Five Elements Axes, it can be established in less than a week."

"Well...it's not impossible if you have the skills, but are you planning to conduct the Axis Foundation Ceremony with the Five Elements Axes?"

Jeon Myeong-hoon nods.

"If I can establish the Five Blessings Axes, I will. But if not, I plan to establish the Five Elements Axes and quickly raise my cultivation."

"Hmm, why is that?"

Jeon Myeong-hoon takes out a wooden box from his bosom and strokes it with gleaming eyes.

"Because I need to quickly become stronger."

Crackle, crackle...

Subtle red lightning sparks around him, pushing away the surrounding ghostly energy.

"I need to become stronger as soon as possible, to elevate my cultivation as quickly as possible...to quell this anger."

Pajijijijik...!

"You said it's easier to reach the Integration stage? Even if I roughly establish the Axes with the Five Elements Axes, I am confident I can reach the Integration stage. Stability of the domain? Any instability can be fixed by filling it with Heavenly Tribulation...!"

Jeon Myeong-hoon's eyes spark with red lightning as he steels his resolve.

Yeon Wei, understanding yet slightly troubled, speaks.

"Hm, I understand what you mean. However, the quickest way to return to the Bright Cold Realm is to open a 'side path' like the Black Ghost Valley did. And...the easiest way to open a 'side path' is to establish at least three of the Five Blessings Axes and reach the late Four-Axis stage."

I'm puzzled by her words and ask.

"Can't we just ask the Black Ghost Valley to help us return to the Bright Cold Realm?"

"If you had come to the Nether Ghost Realm through the Black Ghost Valley's side path, that might be possible. But didn't you say you fell here by accident, not via the Black Ghost Valley? If you had come through the Black Ghost Valley, you would have the 'Dream Body' provided by the Nether Crossing Ship..."

She clicks her tongue and continues.

"There are four major forces in the Nether Ghost Realm. They are collectively known as the Three Palaces and One Island (三宮一島).

"The first is the Black Ghost Palace (黑色鬼骨宮). It's the main sect of the Black Ghost Valley. It's a sinister and secretive group with a reputation for being extremely closed-off. While the branch in the Bright Cold Realm is somewhat lenient in order to quickly expand its influence, the main sect is different. It's said to be extremely closed off due to many hidden secrets.

"The second is the Underworld Ghost Palace (幽冥鬼宮).

"It's the most widespread force. The Underworld Ghost Palace is the most famous in the Nether Ghost Realm, and its power and influence are immense. Research on Ghost Path Methods and devilish arts are actively conducted there, so the methods that spread from there influence the entire Nether Ghost Realm. More than 80% of the methods in circulation in the Nether Ghost Realm come from the Underworld Ghost Palace.

"The third is the Flower Painting Western Heaven Palace (花圖西天宮).

"In the ghostly energy-filled Nether Ghost Realm, they are lunatics who practice the Righteous Path Method of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness. Antagonistically in the Nether Ghost Realm, they gather life force and the power of Vanquishing Evil and Upholding Righteousness, which is extremely effective against the creatures of the Nether Ghost Realm, making them a very powerful group. Rumors abound that they are connected to the 'ones above,' so it's best to avoid getting entangled with them.

"And lastly, the Penglai Island (蓬萊島)."

"Hm?"

I'm puzzled by the familiar name.

"That name is...similar to Penglai Palace?"

"...From what I've heard, Penglai Island also follows the same Mountain God as Penglai Palace. The Penglai Island in the Nether Ghost Realm knows about the Penglai Palace in the Bright Cold Realm, but they have no interest in each other. They share the same name and founder but do not care about each other, making them an unusual group. However, it's known that the Penglai Island here practices a devilish art rather than the Great Mountain Splitting Emperor Technique..."

"Hmm..."

Hearing the name Penglai reminds me of the 'name' I saw within Hon Won's heart essence.

Cheon Ra (天羅).

A being with a name that means the Net of Heaven.

The name 'Penglai,' which exists everywhere in the Middle Realms, feels like a net to me.

'If Penglai is a net...'

What is it trying to catch?

I ponder for a moment.

Then it happens.

"...?"

I almost look up at the sky but remember Yeon Wei's warning and stop.

'What's this? It seems to have gotten darker...'

Apparently, it isn't just me who feels something strange as Jeon Myeong-hoon, Kim Yeon, Oh Hyun-seok, and Hong Fan also tilt their heads in confusion.

Hong Fan asks me.

"Master, doesn't it seem like everything around us has gotten darker?"

"...Yes, I feel it too."

I extend my consciousness to check if there are dark clouds, but there's nothing above us.

Kim Yeon and Jeon Myeong-hoon also feel uneasy and tilt their heads in confusion.

"It feels like this whole world has gotten a bit darker..."

"Right. Is it just our imagination...?"

Yeon Wei also tilts her head.

"Hmm...what phenomenon is this? Even the Head Realm seems a bit darker..."

Bright Cold Realm.

At the summit of Heavenly Lotus Mountain.

Above the white jade pavilion, Sacred Master Baek Woon groans with a trembling voice.

Kugugugugu—

The entire Heavenly Lotus Mountain shakes.

Simultaneously, the spiritual energy of the entire mountain starts to flow erratically.

No, it isn't just the Heavenly Lotus Mountain.

All the 'mountains' in the Bright Cold Realm that Sacred Master Baek Woon is aware of have their energy disrupted.

Sacred Master Baek Woon looks up at the sky with trembling eyes and speaks.

"Has that tyrannical one finally been confined? But the sky has darkened slightly. Does this mean that even They have sustained a critical injury...? How could this be...Did that tyrant hide such power? This is a sign similar to when They were cornered by Vast Cold 500,000 years ago..."

With a worried expression, Sacred Master Baek Woon bites her lip and adjusts the attraction force of the entire Bright Cold Realm, her eyes gleaming.

"If They have sustained a fatal injury and gone into seclusion, the protection of the Bright Cold Realm blessed by Them will also weaken. We must be even more vigilant."

Having said this, Sacred Master Baek Woon re-enters the white jade pavilion.

Wiiiiing—

The light emanating from the pavilion sweeps across the entire Bright Cold Realm.

"...Is it just a celestial phenomenon?"

After being on high alert with nothing happening, I finally relax.

Yeon Wei also loosens her expression.

"Well, if it's a celestial phenomenon happening on a universal scale, there's nothing we can do about it even if we understand it. Let's not worry and continue our conversation. Anyway, this Nether Ghost Realm is filled with such forces. Each force is extremely wary of each other, and outsiders are always suspected of being spies for the opposing forces."

"In other words...it's like how everyone in the Bright Cold Realm thinks everyone else is a spy from the Heart Tribe?"

"Exactly!"

"..."

"So, abandon the thought of using a side path from the other forces. The best way is for one of us to accumulate the Five Blessings Axes and open a side path ourselves."

Upon hearing this, Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at me and speaks.

"Then, it's best for you to accumulate the Longevity Axis or whatever it is."

"What...?"

"You're the most talented among us."

Yeon Wei nods in agreement.

"That's right. You are the only monster here with power comparable to the Integration stage, so it's best if you build the Longevity Axis. Even Hon Won took thousands of years to reach the Integration stage, but it took you less than 100 years to get there, didn't it? And the attraction force I sense from you...I don't know when you built it, but you've already established the Axis of Wealth as well. If it's you, you should be able to accumulate the Axes and open the side path in no time."

With a hopeful expression, Yeon Wei pats my shoulder.

"We have high hopes for you! You are our only hope, Seo Eun-hyun!"

On the first day of arriving in the Nether Ghost Realm, under the hopeful gazes of Yeon Wei, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok, Kim Yeon, and Hong Fan, I become everyone's hope for returning to the Bright Cold Realm.